Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Treatment Options
For a variety of reasons, the carpal tunnel can become compressed, or swollen, which places additional stress and irritation on the contents of the tunnel.
What is the Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is an anatomical structure within the wrist. It acts as a passageway for 10 different structures (9 tendons and the median nerve) and is surrounded by a tough band of tissue called the flexor retinaculum.
Most commonly, the median nerve gets compressed which results in numbness, tingling, pain and muscle weakness in the hand. This dysfunction of the median nerve and resulting symptoms is what is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Initial symptoms commonly include numbness of the thumb, index or middle fingers (palm side) and pain at night.
CTS symptoms usually worsen gradually over time. Without proper intervention, CTS symptoms will usually get worse and can include:
Numbness, tingling, and pain
Pain and burning that travels up your arm
Wrist pain at night that interferes with sleep
Weakness in the muscles of the hand
If you are looking for a physiotherapy clinic in Burlington, our team specialized in treating orthopedic and sports injury. We offer same-week appointments and direct-billing is available as well.
What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS is known to affect more women than men, and is more commonly seen in older adults. CTS can also be caused by a series of other health conditions, including but not limited to:
- 5Thyroid dysfunction
- 5Diabetes
- 5Obesity
- 5Menopause or fluid retention during pregnancy
- 5Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
- 5Injuries, fractures, and trauma of the wrist
- 5High blood pressure
Prevention
Prevention of CTS includes managing any associated comorbid conditions (listed above), and minimizing repeated and frequent movements/vibrations to the hands while at work. For those who are at increased risk, performing a regular wrist stretching and strengthening routine, nerve mobility exercises and various wrist braces and ergonomic devices can help reduce your risk of developing CTS.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment for CTS depends on the severity of pain, weakness, and symptoms. Most often, CTS symptoms can be resolved with rest, hot/cold compressions, management of the inflammation, manual therapy, and moderate physical exercise of the wrist.
Non-surgical options include:
- 5Avoiding overextension of the wrist
- 5Wrist splints to hold the hand in a neutral position
- 5Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications
- 5Treatment of other causative conditions like diabetes or arthritis
- 5Steroid injections in the wrist to minimize swelling
Surgery is suggested if there is severe nerve damage, which is diagnosed by a nerve conduction test. CTS surgery involves cutting the “roof” of the carpal tunnel (the flexor retinaculum) to reduce the pressure on the median nerve. Certain factors affect the success of surgical treatment including age, symptom duration, presence of other conditions, and severity of pre-surgery symptoms.
Why choose Pillars of Wellness?
At Pillars of Wellness, in Burlington, Ontario, we are proud to provide a truly integrated care approach that employs a variety of treatments to achieve a faster recovery. Our clinic offers various services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, counselling, occupational therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, and holistic nutrition.
With multiple services and specialties in one place, you’ll get the best care possible — without having to look elsewhere. Pillars of Wellness is more than just a health and wellness clinic, it is also your one-stop-health solution.
Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule
Highly recommended for everyone who is looking for friendly, warm and very professional help in physiotherapy. Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule. Warm, new and clean environment going very well together with informative and friendly, professional personnel. My therapy clinical notes, invoices and appointment reminders were also available on line and on time. Khizar, Nancy, Thank you.
Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
This is the first time I give a review. I cannot say enough about this clinic. They are really amazing. Friendly, great customer service and helped me with a condition I have for years. Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism
I recently used Pillars of Wellness services for my injuries. I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism. The first time I came to do my assessment, the owner, the physiotherapist and the chiropractor sat with me to help me figure out the best way to feel better and faster. I spent 6 weeks with on-going treatment using different modalities. The end result was no more pain and I was able to move again!! Thank you so much for your help. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone.
Summing it up Pillars of Wellness is a well run top notch health clinic!
Lori and Laurent Pinci who run Pillars of Wellness along with their team are very professional and efficient. They make you feel welcome with a smile and kind words every time you walk through their doors. They truly care. We have not yet had the need to experience the many other services that Pillars of Wellness offers, but if we ever did, we definitely would not hesitate to use them.
I’m feeling very supported during my recovery….
On the advice of a friend, I reached out and booked a series of appointments with their occupational therapist, Lori; physiotherapist, Abida; and their naturopath, Dr. Galantai to help with recovering from a concussion. It has been an excellent experience! They are all incredible practitioners.
This is the first time I’ve ever experienced a longer term injury and their genuine, individualized care has really lessened my stress. I’m feeling very supported during my recovery and highly recommend their clinic. I credit my continual improvement to the holistic way I’m getting treatment for my symptoms and am very grateful.
I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Friendly, caring and professionals like nothing I have seen around Aldershot//Burlington. Attentive to the needs of their patients. They take the time to listen. Beautiful and well designed clinic that is extremely well maintained. I have had two car accidents in the last year and I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Before Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
A condition where the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.
How can physiotherapy help?
Through exercises, manual therapy, and ergonomic advice, physiotherapy reduces pain, improves mobility, and restores hand function.
Do I need surgery?
Most cases are treated conservatively with physiotherapy. Surgery is only needed for severe cases with nerve damage.
What happens during my first visit?
Your physiotherapist will assess your wrist, discuss symptoms, and create a personalized treatment plan including exercises and therapy.
Can I prevent carpal tunnel?
Yes – regular stretches, proper wrist posture, breaks from repetitive tasks, and ergonomic tools can help prevent symptoms.
